The Detroit Lions came into EverBank Field on Sunday with the No. 2 passing offense in the NFL. So it wasn’t surprising that Matthew Stafford threw for 285 yards and Calvin Johnson caught seven passes for 129 yards.

But the Jaguars also couldn’t stop the Lions’ far less potent running game (22nd in the league).

Mikel Leshoure, who had rushed for only 305 yards this season, gained 70 yards in 16 carries and became the first Lion ever to have three rushing touchdowns in the first half. Not even Barry Sanders did that.

And backup Joique Bell had 73 yards in 13 carries and scored a touchdown in the Lions’ 31-14 victory.

Leshoure had touchdown runs of seven, one and eight yards against a Jaguars defense that has slipped to 25th against the run this year.

“That back [Leshoure] was pretty smart. He was real patient waiting for holes to develop,’’ said Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey. “We’ve been playing some impatient backs. We have to tighten up our gap control and do things a little better.’’

Leshoure was given a game ball and said he will give it to his son, who was born last week.

Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said the Lions stressed cutbacks and bounce-out type of plays in the running game against the Jaguars.

“I think our backs ran very well. They ran through contact — really didn’t make guys miss, even though we had some guys jump over guys, and made them miss by giving them a little stutter step — and most of the time ran with power and ran through tackles,’’ Schwartz said.

Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey cited, “A lot of poor technique, poor angles and not being in the right position,’’ as reasons for the Lions’ run success.

He said the Jaguars had improved their tackling until Sunday, when Lions runners jumped over tacklers who had their heads down.

“That’s just poor technique and fundamentals,’’ Mularkey said.

As for defending the pass, the Jaguars assigned Derek Cox to cover Johnson all over the field, though Cox sat out last week with a back injury and didn’t practice much this week.

Johnson (knee) was also battling injuries but clearly won the battle. He averaged 18.4 yards per reception.

“I think covering Calvin Johnson is a lot to ask anybody,’’ Mularkey said. “ He is one of the best receivers in the league. I think he is tough duty on anybody. We still felt the matchup [against Cox] gave us our best chance. I appreciate Derek playing when he was hurt this week.’’

Cox declined to discuss his back ailment because Mularkey doesn’t let the players talk about injuries.

As for covering the 6-foot-5 Johnson, the smaller Cox (6-1) said: “We had some stuff mixed in and gave him some different looks. He’s a good player and did a good job utilizing his strength.’’

Like the struggling Jaguars offense, the defense received its share of boos on Sunday, which Mincey said he understood.

“They pay top dollar to come out here and watch us perform and represent the city the way we should,’’ he said. “We don’t want to be seen as losers. We’re not.’’

As I said in my earlier post, I have been advocating that Mr. Khan step in and make significant changes in the Jags, starting with the GM. It is interesting to me to read Bud Adams reaction to the beating the Titans took at the hands of the Bears this past weekend.
Does it sound almost word for word what a number of us have been saying about the Jags since last March. Here is the reprint of his remarks:

"In my 50 years of owning an NFL franchise, I am at a loss to recall a regular-season home game that was such a disappointment for myself, and fans of the Titans,'' Adams told The Tennessean after the game. "We were grossly outcoached and outplayed from start to finish today.

"At this time, all aspects of the organization will be closely evaluated, including front office, coaches and players over the next seven games. If performance and competitiveness does not improve, I will look at all alternatives to get back to having the Titans become a playoff and championship football team."

Mr. Kahn, if you do not take a similar stand now, I would respectfully suggest that the Jags will become the permanent doormat of the AFC South and the NFL. They are getting close to that now. The Jags footbal operation must be told in no uncertain terms they have to prove by their actions and performance they are worth retaining. The time for words and excuses is over. It is totally in your hands, Surely you want to see a return on your investment, It is not too late if you take control of the situation and lay down the law now as has Bud Adams.

I have been saying since March that the Jags would be lucky to even match last year's performance. It should be painfully clear that the Jags do not have either the talent or the physical strength to be a competitive NFL team plus the front office is not capable of knowing what to do. It is largely due to their(front office) failure to know what to do that has created this problem. The coaches can only work with what they are given to work with. I do believe the players are giving their best and it is very difficult for them,

Since March I have been calling for Mr. Khan to clean house and start the overhaul and rebuilding process. It must START NOW otherwise the Jags will likely not be much better next year. It needs to start with the GM. This week would not be to soon.

Mr.Khan, please step up now and show us that you really meant what you told us when you bought the team.